The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-07-17
AWAY BACK IN A.
HOW JAHES 4. POLK LOST THE
VOTE OF TENNESSEE.
4 Curious Episode Of Rentress Coun'
~ Politlcs--"Old Hickory"
Stalwarts.
WRITTEN FOE TIE APrKiL.l


A glance at the county map OF
Tennessee shows in the northern and
middle portion a county. the semi
circular outlines OF which appear as
il the original surveyor had, from a
given center, attempted to draw,
with long pole, the circumscribing
line. In his efforts, however, dizzi-
ness overcame him; but whether as
result OF the peculiar nature OF his
work or over indulgence in native
mountain fluid, 'twould be hard to
say. The gap in the circle has been
filed in with the crowding together
OF the contiguous counties, so that
the appearance in shape, OF Fentress
county is that of lobsided balloon.
Until within few years Fentress
county has been far,hest removed
from all civilizing influences, and
here "the native may be found in his
element. Forty years ago the con-
dition of its inhabitants was one Of
utter illiteracy. The nearest trading
town was between fifty and 100 miles
distant; they had no needs which
they could not supply themselves.
The hills and the fields were theirs,
and beyond the bare sustensnoe Of
life they made no higher claims. The
exciting Presidential contest OF 1874
between Jas. X. Polk aud Henry Clay
is still fresh in the minds OF those old
enough to remember and has made
q marked impression on those OF the
younger generation who have read OF
1t. The returns from all the States
we're in except Tennessee. The
Electoral College 80 far gave major
ity for Polk, and as Tennessee was
his native State it was conceded to
him, thus giving him the Presidency.
But Tennessee was waiting on re-
turns from Fentress county; 1t was
understood how far from oil centers
it was situated aud patience was cx-
ercised up to the last moment allow
able by law and the returns counted,
giving the State to Clay by lib votes.
IL was always a Notifying thing to
James X. Polk TO know that his ma
tive State went back on him, but ii
he had lived to know the cause he
would have forgiven it. What was
the matter with Fentress? Why
were the returns never received
from that county, 1t is tale full of
pathetic humor and Is vouched for
as folloss: The sheriff in person had
duly notified the inhab tants OF the
approaching election and all were
ready to exercise their rights Of sui
frage. Pens, ink and paper were
unknown quantities to these hardy
mountaineers, all their voting was
usually done vive voce aud y-a-a-s to
them was equal TO any steel engraved
ballot. But when ballots had TO be
sent to Nashville it was necessary TO
invent some means OF cast
ing votes. The inventive genius
OF the clerk OF elections sug-
gested shingles. With two marking
pots, tar in one and pokeberry Juice
in the other, together with two pigs
feet, the preparations were complete.
Each voter marked his single ac-
ccrdipg 10 his choice OF candidates
dipping the pigs foot 10 tar and
marking the single for Clay and q
similar action in poke juice
for Polk. Every now and
then some voter would throw in
single marked with light red
mud, and as it stood for neither can
didase, he was asked for whom twas
meant. "Gin1 jackson" was the
reply, but the single was returned
and cast aside by the clerk. These
jackson" shingles were coming in
thick and the exasperated clerk
yelled out, NOW you uns who air q
votin' for Gin'l Jackson, yer amt
got no call TO do il, for he amt er
running for President" and the
shingles we're dumped into the Jack
son pile. Now the jackson" men
had seen this action Of the clerk aud
they we're determined that their can
didate shouldn't be cheated out
OF his election by such "'gol-
darned foolishness. They had been
with Jackson in his heroic trips
against the Indians; they had voted
for him twice before, aud why not
again? Jackson was the hero in
their eyes, who would live forever
and always as President Of the Unit
ed States. Fierce indignation was
raging 10 their bosoms. They seized
the Jackson ballots aud rushed into
the clerks room and deposited them
in a heap, calling 10 the astonished
man, Eyer amt a goin 10 cheat Gen:
Jackson outer this lection now, j
tell you, we uns II see that he gets
his lust votes" The sheriff cleared
. the room Of their presence, aud their
votes soon followed out OF the win.
dow. Another rush upon the clerks
Office was made by the jackson Goa.
tingents, who succeeded In carrying
of a greater part oil the clay and
Polk shingles, but the sheriff and
clerks succeeded in recapturing
them. A fierce fight now ensued
Each party was for while yicto'
rious. The end WIS not with thai
day; for weeks the battle ragged. Tn,
Jackson party was determined thai
! its votes should 40 along with thu
others. The poor bewildored sheriff
: was at his rits' ends. The mattel
: was finally compromised, and b
, promised that Jackson s votes shoult
; 20 with the rest. lie then hunteC
up his law book in regard 10 the dis
position Of the ballots, aud learneS
that ballots must be brought II
person or sent by mail, within thre'
weeks after election" And here h
! was with three carloads Of ballot
one month after the election. hi
knew that Polk had l23 majority
but the vote Of fentress was neyel
|, recorded. The sheriff paled beior'
the state Of affairs, aud Polk, whil'
really carrying IL by 10 majority, LOST
: il on official count by liz; n noss